England Claim Historic Series Win in India

England claimed their first series win in India for 28 years as centurians Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell helped bat out the fifth day to secure a draw in the fourth Test in Nagpur.

Resuming on 161 for 3, a lead of 165, Trott (143) and Bell (116 not out) put on a 208-run partnership to stifle the hosts and leave England on 352 for 4 at the close on the final day to claim a momentuous series win in the subcontinent.

Debutant Joe Root made 20 after Trott was dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin, but the breakthrough worked as only temporary respite for India who must reflect on a series during which they relinquished control having won the opening Test in Ahmedabad.

England celebrate their first series win in India for 28 years.

Captain and man of the series Alastair Cook said: "Special day, special tour. Today, it was a flat wicket to bat on but Trotty and Belly did it so calmly. We were quite surprised with the pitch at the start, how low and slow it was, but it got better.

"We knew if we didn't give anyway any soft dismissals it would be hard to bowl us out and I'm proud the lads fronted up.

"After Ahmedabad, the heavy defeat, it's been a fantastic response. In my first series as captain, I couldn't have asked for more, it's a very proud moment. Our bowlers have been brilliant and all the batsman contributed.

"It's always nice when it goes well, can't praise the team, the squad enough, the backroom staff but also the fans, the Barmy Army and the India supporters as well."

After the tourists saw out the first session without alarm, the match slipped into a procession, with the result all but beyond doubt as Trott and Bell continued to show a no-nonsense approach to Indian spinners Pragyan Ojha, Ravichandran Ashwin and Piyush Chawla who bowled 104 largely fruitless overs between them, making a mockery of the favourable conditions.

India did claim one wicket on the final day, when Ashwin pitched one in the rough outside Trott's leg stump and found a thick edge to leg slip, but by then it was academic as both sides settled for a draw, sparking scenes of wild celebration in the England dressing room.

Man of the match James Anderson, who took 4 for 81 in the first innings, said: "People come over here and think the spinners are going to get all the wickets but I wanted to show seamers have a job to do as well.

"Reverse swing played a key part and we executed our plans well. The beauty of bowling short spells means you can give it your all and then get a rest.

"It's been amazing, we've been impressed with the crowds and enjoyed embracing the culture. It really gives you a lift to hear all the people cheering at the end of the day."